Worldwide consolidation of body repair markets is the trigger for North American network operators to spread their wings to independent UK bodyshops.

Two such operators – Carstar and Fix-Auto – are thought to be eyeing the European body repair scene with a view to creating a global brand that offers consistent repair quality and service to work providers, carmakers and the motoring public.

Carstar, based in Kansas, has more than 300 facilities across the US and Canada. Its focus is in providing franchised systems, on-line training, marketing and consulting support.

Californian Fix-Auto has 150 locations in the US and a further 135 across Canada. It has global aspirations under its Mondofix banner and has recently recruited Sean Carey as vice-president of strategic alliances to develop relations with insurers, OEMs and strategic partners.

Carey was responsible for creating, launching and managing Nissan’s certified repair programme in the UK in 1991.

Key elements of both franchise offerings are repair estimate reviews, quality management systems and customer service monitoring.